Pierson out with injury, open tryout winner Stinson faces Hornbuckle at Bellator 15

Canadian welterweight Sean Pierson has been forced out of Bellator’s 170-pound tournament with an undisclosed injury, and the promotion’s open tryout winner, Tyler Stinson (16-5 MMA, 0-0 BFC) has stepped into the vacant slot.

Stinson and Hornbuckle will meet on the main card of Bellator 15, which takes place April 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Stinson had been expected to meet Demi Deeds at Bellator 16 in Kansas City. Bellator officials have yet to name a replacement opponent for that non-tournament matchup, which had not yet been officially announced.

The 24-year-old Stinson earned his way into the organization by besting a field of 72 fighters – some of whom had experience with the WEC, IFL and other top promotions – and winning Bellator Fighting Championships’ open tryout in March.

“This whole experience was just awesome,” Stinson stated after earning a spot in the organization. “To hear my name called at the end of the day was just unbelievable. I’m really almost speechless right now. Bellator is just such a great organization, and I’m excited for the chance to fight in front of my family and friends in Kansas City.”

He’ll lose the opportunity to fight at home, but Stinson will gain the chance to earn $100,000 should me be crowned as tournament champion.